Thursday, May 12, 2011

Russia - 1916 Saveljev Quadruplane

Russian Experimental Quadruplane

Saveljev Quadruplane -1916
Saveljev Quadruplane -1916

This profile started with a description and a photograph. I worked off a line drawing for a Morane Saulnier type G to get the fuselage proportions and used the photo to establish the wing and struts and the landing gear. I was not completely happy with the first draft, but the next version was good enough for the moment until my skills grew and I got time to get back to it. Which will be soon I hope.

In 1916 V.F.Saveljev and Vladislav Zalevskij built this experimental 2-seat reconnaisence aircraft. It used fuselage from the “Morane-G” and single strut Quadruplane wing box tilted forward. The Quadruplane was powered by an 80hp engine when it was flown on April 15, 1916. According to the test pilot Ungmejster, “The aircraft is very responsive and may compete with the 165hp Albatros, But it needs a 100hp Monosaupape engine.” Later this engine was fitted with minor modifications, and aircraft performed numerous flights.

4 comments:

The Angry Lurker said...

It's alright, nothing special, I take it it was snow based with the ski struts?

Unknown said...

It is a bit plain, they never added any national insignias or decoration. The skids were for snow or Rasputitsa (the seasons of mud) aka spring and autumn. The Russians did not have well groomed airfields which meant they needed a system to slide over the snow and muddy fields to make a landing. Many aircraft imported by Russia ended up sporting skids instead of wheels.

Brian Carter said...

Unfortunately, comparing Mr Boucher's drawing to photographs and existing drawings show it is quite inaccurate:
a) There is no mention that I've seen that the aircraft was fitted with skis, b) the lowest wing had turned-up wingtips, c) there was a 'fence' between the inner struts on the second-top wing, d)They did add national insignia, which is shown in photographs, e)It had double wing struts, not single f) The fuselage looks wrong.

Unknown said...

Brian Thank you for your input, but from your tone it does not seem as if you are not addressing me as much as looking for somewhere grind an axe.

You state there are many pictures to back up your assertions. Had it ever occurred to you to point me in the right direction? Evidently not...

I have seen a front view showing the turned up lower wingtips, and yes it had wheels. However, there are other photos which do not match your description as laid out in the following:
a-b-d-e) See http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/102217